It was all too perfect that flying back into the states on the Thursday before opening, I was dozing off and thought to glance out the window just as we happened to be flying over the east end of the playa. My heart kicked into gear as I knew I’d have a view of the city being built from 30,000 ft up. I wondered if anyone else noticed.

This year rejuvenated me to be out there with a great group of friends as I was quite exhausted going into it for a number of reasons. On the first night I lost my friends but ended up being a positive situation as it immersed me into our new environment with beautiful interactions from total strangers. The reminder that I’ve arrived.. 🙂

One phenomenon I was hugely aware of this year were the “Instagram influencer” types spending so much time crafting their image for a photo opp. I don’t want to be so negative and I can see the irony of me as a photographer making this criticism, but this level of hyperawareness of one’s image is the exact opposite of what Burning Man is about. The point isn’t to show up, take your pictures and show that you “did” Burning Man.

The simple things made it for me this time around. Sunrise with a small crew; cool neighbors; some new encounters; and of course the photography. Working my craft in this environment always makes me fall in love with it again, and for that alone, I’m forever grateful. Welcome home…

Dedicated to Jim Karageorge

August 27, 2019

Julian Walter Photography website

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